The mission of The Farm is to address food insecurity through innovative and sustainable hydroponic farming. More than 70 pounds of fresh produce a week is distributed to households, restaurants, and food pantries throughout Monroe County to ensure people have access to healthy foods.

We also provide educational programs, workforce development, and agri-therapy for veterans.

Hydroponic Farming

The Farm operates out of a compact and efficient vertical hydroponic farm built inside a repurposed shipping container, located in Downtown Rochester.

An urban hydroponic farm is a controlled environment where plants are grown without soil, using water and nutrient solutions. Using the state of the art technology, we are able to grow year-round fresh produce, have minimal water usage, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to grow food in urban areas.

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Our Produce

The Farm grows a wide variety of leafy greens, lettuces, herbs, microgreens, and root vegetables. Our crop is always rotating, but some of our most popular include arugula, butterhead, bibb, romaine, collard greens, swiss chard, basil, spring mix, and microgreens. Visit our online store to see what we currently have available. Thank you for supporting The Farm.

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Workforce Development

Our workforce development program is a 6-week curriculum for those reentering the workforce. Participants will spend 4 hours each week learning about the ins and outs of running a hydroponic farm. Our comprehensive training will cover everything someone would need to know about growing, harvesting, and managing a farm.

What to expect:
▪ Week 1: Basics of hydroponics and controlled environment agriculture.
▪ Week 2: Seeding
▪ Week 3: Transplanting mature seedlings to panels
▪ Week 4: Harvesting, weighing and packing produce.
▪ Week 5: Basic farm maintenance and understanding software
▪ Week 6: Graduation – receive certificate of completion.

Youth Education

The Farm offers educational programming for youth to learn about hydroponic farming and teach children where their food comes from to help establish healthy eating habits.

Agri-therapy

Helping adjust to life after military service, agri-therapy offers veterans a hands-on way to reconnect with the community, learn new skills, and find purpose through farming and gardening activities.

What to expect:
▪ A renewed sense of purpose: Find meaning in working with others to grow fresh greens that nourish the community.
▪ A calming environment: Farming activities help reduce stress.
▪ Hands-on learning: Explore hydroponic farming and its impact on feeding our community. Work alongside fellow veterans and our staff, gaining hands-on experience with techniques like seeding, transplanting, and harvesting.